Most people think that if pesticides are applied to their property, then it stays on their property. But that view is wrong. It has long been known that there is drift to neighboring properties when pesticides are applied, with even more drift occurring when it is windy. But what if there are schools or playgrounds nearby?
Research conducted in the Illinois found that pesticides from large-scale applications (farms, golf courses), drift hundreds and thousands of feet onto parks, playgrounds, and schoolyards. The researchers referred to the drifting of pesticides and landing away from the target area as "chemical trespass".
The researchers looked for 18 pesticides at 10 sites (school playgrounds and public parks) by sampling the sites monthly during 5 warm months (May - September). Silicone monitoring bands were used and foliage samples were taken. During the 5 months between 1 and 10 pesticides were detected at each site, with 2,4-D found at every site every month. (NOTE: 2,4-D was one of 2 pesticides in Agent Orange, and is still commonly used on lawns.)
Yes, many studies find that pesticides have health effects, including cancer, with children being the most vulnerable. Some of the pesticides the study detected are banned in other countries.
The chemical trespass (drift) of pesticides is especially concerning because Illinois lawmakers recently rejected a bill requiring advance notification to schools and playgrounds of near-by large-scale pesticide applications. But schools do need advance notification to protect their students - for example, keeping school children indoors or windows shut on spraying days.
By the way, it was lobbying by the chemical industry and conventional farm association that caused the bill to fail. Profits before people!
From Investigate Midwest: Pesticides detected hundreds of feet away from parks and playgrounds in these 10 Illinois counties
Eighteen different pesticide compounds were detected in public parks and playgrounds at 10 sites across Illinois last summer, including some agrichemicals that drifted at least 3,700 feet from the nearest spray site. ...continue reading "Pesticides Drift A Long Way From Where They Are Applied"